HEBREWS 11:1

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2007

WHAT IS FAITH?

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

The Letter to the Hebrews would probably rank high on a list of the Top Ten Most Unread Books of the New Testament.

The question "What is Faith?" is the question I have been asked more than any other during the years of my ministry.

Beginning today, I invite you to join with me over the next few days as we meditate together on the subject of Faith, as the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews expresses his thoughts as directed by God.

During the years of my Parish Ministry, as I taught the Catechism to 7th and 8th grade students, I required the memorization of Hebrews 11:1. The version that they memorized was, "Faith is the ASSURANCE of things hoped for, the CONVICTION of things not seen." (KJV)

Assurance or substance and conviction or evidence are words that can be defined. Assurance is a guarantee while conviction means that there is proof that is evident to all.

Things hoped for and things not seen are phrases that cannot be proven and kind of fit in the category of, "I won’t believe it until I see it."

A simple illustration: I am tired and want to sit down. I look around feeling sure that there will be an empty chair (assurance). I see the chair, go to it, sit down without asking if it will hold my weight (conviction).

Another illustration: I don’t feel well. I am in pain. A portion of my body is not working the way I think it should. I want to find out what is wrong. I make an appointment with a doctor who I believe has the ability and knowledge to help me (assurance). The doctor examines me, and maybe orders some tests. Eventually the doctor explains what is wrong and what to do about it (conviction) -- It is important to remember that the unseen thing here is the diagnosis and NOT the fact if it is good news or bad news.

Faith, then, is the assurance or substance that God is stronger than a chair and will not let me down, and He is wiser and more compassionate than the finest doctor. He will never give me a false answer, and He is the conviction or evidence of things not seen. We feel safe and comfortable when the chair holds us and does not break. We have a better glimpse of the future after the doctor gives us the diagnosis, be it good or bad. When we have gone to God in prayer for whatever praise we have to give or for every need we have to present to Him, we will have found a "Peace that passes all human understanding."

WHAT IS FAITH? Faith cannot be described, it can only be experienced through the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Yield yourself to God, He is waiting for you right now.

WE PRAY:

We thank Thee then, O God of Heaven,

That Thou to us this faith hast given

In Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who is

Our only fount and source of bliss.

And from His fullness grant each soul

The rightful faith’s true end and goal,

The blessedness no foes destroy,

Eternal love and light and joy.

***From the hymn, "Faith Is The Living Power From Heaven" as found at www.cyberhymnal.org

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Never TEST God, only TRUST Him.

Use simple prayers though out the day such as:

When there is a disagreement – Lord, help me to be kind and understanding.  Lord, what can I do to help ......?

 

When you need to make a decision – Lord, what do you want me to do?

Many times the miracles that FAITH produces seem insignificant, but they are there. It is only when placing our faith in God in the small matters of life that we are prepared to place the larger burdens in His care.